Steve Tarkanish, founder and manager of The Nerds with Steve Scro, owner of Mohawk House.

By Rose Sgarlato

SPARTA ‑‑ The Nerds rocked Mohawk House last Thursday night at a benefit for Hilltop Country Day School. All net proceeds from the Feb. 8 event will go towards the Hilltop Scholarship Fund.

The audience was a mix of people and largely Hilltop parents, staff and friends.

The casual, lively evening was certainly a change of pace from what one may think of as a traditional school fundraiser. Band members Spaz, Morgo, Stretch and Biff entertained the packed room with their popular Nerd looks, crazy dancing and infamous cover tunes. And parents of Hilltop students enjoyed the music of the iconic New Jersey cover band:

“This evening is a celebration of an awesome school that’s super committed,” said Anthony Sehnaoui, parent of a fourth-grader at Hilltop.

“We feel the love just like at Hilltop,” added Stacey Gibson the parent of two children at Hilltop.

“It is nice to come out and support the school, “ said Cara McCarthy, parent of six-year-old twins and a fifth-grader at Hilltop.

“Its great to have a community that embraces our school. said parent Jeannene Clifford. “And it’s a fun date night,” added Peter Clifford, Jeannene’s husband.

Hilltop Country Day School was pleased with the fundraiser.

“I was so impressed with the turnout from the community Thursday night. In reconnecting with old alumni and alumni parents it is clear that making an investment on the front end of your child's education pays dividends down the road,” said Kevin Folan, Head of School at Hilltop. “The incredible Preschool through grade 8 foundation Hilltop lays for its students sets them up for success in high school, college, and beyond. Thank you to this vibrant community and Steve Scro at Mohawk House for a fun night for a great cause.

The Nerds began their career in 1985 at the Lighthouse in Lake Hopatcong. They developed their brand over the years performing all over New Jersey and more recently Mohawk House where they visit about four times a year. Mohawk House owner Steve Scro enjoys a great relationship with The Nerds and founder and manager Steve Tarkanis.

“The Nerds are behind everything we do. Our dream at Mohawk House has always been making a difference in the community. Each year we try and reach out to more people, and we look forward to supporting Hilltop in the future,” said Steve Scro. “ The evening was a major success.”